Mary Barker Roby (Daughter of John & Marjorie Barker)Swanton - Mary Barker Roby, a longtime area resident passed away on Saturday, Sept. 13th, 2014, at home with her loving family at her side.
Born on June 11, 1948, in Burlington, she was the daughter of the late, John Barker Jr. and Marjorie (Hale) Barker. Mary was 66.
Mary’s greatest loves were education and music. She was an excellent teacher in Colchester, winning “Teacher of the Year”, and a talented music director at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in St. Albans. There she created and directed choirs and bands and could tell a story that had 250 people sitting on the edge of their seats.
Mary and her husband, Tom, were an amazing team in the music ministry and in life. Their devotion was unmatched. Together they built a home, raised a wonderful son, and contributed to the community.
Mary is survived by the love of her life, Tom Roby, a devoted husband of 30 years; their son, Nicolas Roby and wife, Tonya, children, Quianna, Finn, and Eliza.
She is also survived by her siblings: John Barker III, son Pat and wife, Courtney; son John IV and wife, Nellie, son William; and daughter Shannon; Stephen Barker and wife, Lynda, daughter Sarah. And Susan Gonyaw, son Stephen and wife, Ann, children Abby and Ben.
She is also survived by her step-children: Jeff Roby and wife, Sandy, children, Sammi and Christian; and Karen Hunt and husband, John, children Ben and Olivia.
She is also survived by good friends: Bonnie Farrow Rice, and Lenore Fleming; many other friends from childhood, teaching, and church; and fitness friends from “Dukes”.
A memorial service with gathering to follow will be held on Fri., Oct. 17th, 11:00 AM, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 11 Church Street, St. Albans VT, 05478, with the Reverend Megan Stowe officiating. Interment will follow in the Barker family lot in the St. Albans Bay Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name may be made to: The Marge Barker Memorial Music Fund at St. Paul’s, 11 Church St, St. Albans, VT 05478; the Franklin County Home Health Agency, 3 Home Health Circle, Suite 1, St. Albans VT, 05478; or to the Vermont Cancer Center, UVM Dev.Off., 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington VT 05405-1742.
Messages of condolence to the Roby family are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.
